An American university student missing in France had trouble making friends and "may have left voluntarily".
Ken DeLand Jr, 22, a student at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York, was "insufficiently prepared" for life in a new country and may have decided to leave on his own accord, according to French prosecutor Eric Vaillant.
The Grenoble prosecutor believes the missing student, who was learning French at the University of Grenoble Alpes, "told several people that he arrived in France insufficiently prepared and had difficulty making friends."
Ken was studying at the university through the American Institute for Foreign Study.
Mr Valliant told Fox News DeLand, who was set to leave France on December 15, the student had wanted to leave early to visit Marseille before returning home to the U.S.
The student's last communication to his parents was via WhatsApp on November 27 telling them he was about to get on a train to Valence, France - with his phone last 'pinging' on November 30.
Ken's worried family have launched a website to try and help bring back his return.
The family wrote: "Initially, Ken struggled to fit in and make friends abroad. However, he continued to remain positive and made great connections.
"We learned that he told friends in the United States and France that he wished to travel to Marseille before coming home."
DeLand, who is around 6ft tall, was last seen on December 3 after leaving his host's family home to catch a train to Valence, France.
He was caught on CCTV wearing a red jacket, scarf, grey beanie, blue trousers and a black backpack.
According to the family, the missing student made a purchase at a store in Montelimar at 9 a.m for $8.40 (£6.85).
The website added: "We fear the worst and want him to be located."
The U.S. State Department said it is "aware of reports of a U.S. citizen missing in France."
A State Department spokesperson said: "When a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we share information with families however we can.
"The Department of State has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad.
"We stand ready to provide appropriate assistance to U.S. citizens in need and to their families."
His father DeLand Sr said the family were told by the program Kenny had failed to turn up to a class, which was unlike him.
The Institute said in a statement: “AIFS joins others concerned for his safety and we are working with local law enforcement who have begun a search.
"We have been in contact with Kenneth’s family and university and we are hoping for his swift and safe return."
